Group aims to merge Saugatuck, Douglas

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) - A group seeking to combine the western Michigan communities of Douglas, Saugatuck and Saugatuck Township says it plans to submit petitions this week that could lead to a merger.

The Consolidated Government Committee says it will turn in the petitions to the State Boundary Commission.

Spokesman Jim Storey tells The Holland Sentinel that the group has "comfortably exceeded" the 257 signatures needed to put the plan before the commission. That's 5 percent of the combined population of the Allegan County communities.

The commission could order the merger, reject it or put it on a ballot.

Supporters say a united government would save at least $1 million a year and improve economic planning and natural preservation. The communities already share fire, library, transit, water and sewer services.